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Obama's health care plan: Can we really afford to extend coverage to those here illegally?
Saturday, August 8, 2009 7:33 AM PDT
With Congress in recess, many Democratic representatives have returned home to host town hall meetings to launch a full-court press to pass controversial health care legislation.
The reception they've received reflects the public's outrage at HR 3200. Citizens are angry over the $1 trillion health care plan and their growing frustration with the $800 billion stimulus bill that hasn't stimulated much of anything, including promised new job creation.
In Philadelphia earlier this week, Sen. Arlen Specter appeared with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. They were booed and jeered throughout their presentation.
In response to a frequently heard complaint that lawmakers have not even read the bill, Specter replied lamely: "We have to make judgments very fast."
But the question that Specter's reply begs is, why does the Senate always have to move so fast? Slower, especially on issues with health care's magnitude, would be better.
One of the gravest concerns about HR 3200 is that under the leadership of House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, illegal aliens would be able to obtain complete medical coverage.
Pelosi would deny that. But in an Aug. 3 op-ed published by The Hill, a newspaper for Congressmen and their staffs, Texas U.S. Representative Lamar Smith wrote: "The Democrats' bill in the House contains gaping loopholes that will allow illegal immigrants to receive taxpayer-funded benefits. And these loopholes are no accident."
If you think paying the health care tab for non-citizens is just a bag of shells, then consider the statistics that Smith detailed in his editorial.
Citing the Pew Hispanic Center, Smith wrote that 59 percent of all illegal immigrant adults lacked health insurance in 2007, a dramatically higher rate that the 14 percent uninsured rate for U.S.-born adults.
Furthermore, the children of illegal immigrants are also uninsured at extremely high rates — 45 percent of their foreign-born children are uninsured. California, and specifically the San Joaquin Valley, is home to hundreds of thousands of those children.
Although children born to aliens are American citizens, a health care plan that provides benefits to their adult parents would encourage more illegal immigrants to come to the U.S., have more citizen children and thereby create a never-ending cycle of immigration.
As we learned after the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, amnesty begets more illegal immigration. The U.S. economy is already stretched thin without having millions more illegal immigrants draining our limited resources, making less available for citizens and legal immigrants.
Furthermore, if we legalize 15 million illegal immigrants today, what will happen when they retire?
Robert Rector from the Heritage Foundation found that the net governmental cost for elderly immigrants with low skills amounts "to $17,000 per person per year … half of this cost was medical expenditures under the Medicare and Medicaid programs." The foundation estimates that the eventual cost of amnesty including all government retirement benefits could reach $2.6 trillion.
President Barack Obama has a disingenuous solution to whether illegal immigrants should be covered by HR 3200. Obama wants to legalize all of them. Presto — no more illegal aliens.
But amnesty for 11 million illegal immigrants would have a disastrous long-term affect on the American economy.
Lodi's Congressional representative, Jerry McNerney, stands firmly behind Pelosi.
In fact, on July 30, McNerney cast a "no" vote on an amendment introduced by Georgia Republican Nathan Deal that would have excluded illegal aliens from H.R. 3200.
As written, H.R. 3200 does not require the states to verify citizenship status of applicants before enrollment. Deal's amendment would have mandated verification through E-Verify, the system currently used to identify legal workers.
Asking McNerney to explain his "no" vote would make for a lively town-hall meeting, assuming he should decide to hold one.
When I called McNerney's office to inquire if any had been scheduled, I was told to keep checking his Web site for times and places. But as of today, none have been posted.
Could it be that McNerney would prefer not to be questioned about why he thinks American, citizens should fund illegal aliens health care costs?
Joe Guzzardi is an Independent. In his lifetime, Guzzardi has voted for members of the Democratic, Republican and Green Parties without any satisfaction. Contact him at guzzjoe@yahoo.com.
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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2009 11:09 PM:
The last time? Promise? "
stantaves wrote on Aug 17, 2009 7:40 PM:
Jeff wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:42 AM:
Brian wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:22 AM:
Brian wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:22 AM:
Why are **dual** citizens,of Israel and the U.S., even in our government in the first place?
-It seems to have slipped the mind of wtf that the Middle East's prosperity
was as a result of Israel. And as soon as the intafa happened things went all to hell real quick. "
Brian wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:16 AM:
If the bill isn't full of things that aren't in the best interest of the people then why are the Dems. scrambling to change the language in it? "
Brian wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:12 AM:
Nancy can be inspired by disrupters and call them Unamerican at the same time?. Of course she is well-versed in speaking out of both sides of her mouth. "
jeff wrote on Aug 16, 2009 10:18 AM:
voter wrote on Aug 15, 2009 5:28 PM:
Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2009 5:27 PM:
How about some details, dyan? "
jeff wrote on Aug 15, 2009 4:55 PM:
'H.R. 3200: Sec 246 — NO FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS
Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.'
Oh, and dyan, i checked it in the 1018 pages myself, too.
Marty, should you consider pulling this 'opinion' piece? Lies and facts are not subject to opinion. It is either a fact, or not. In this case obviously not. "
Billy Rubin wrote on Aug 15, 2009 2:21 PM:
Not much hypocrisy there, huh?"
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 13, 2009 12:22 PM:"While certainly we should be able to "agree to disagree" at any impasse, that shouldn't prohibit us from voicing our opinions."
Not much hypocrisy there, huh? "
KenH wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:17 PM:
Seeing illegal citizens get by draining our resources (WIC, EBT, GR, Medi-Cal/Medicaid), I'm rather pissed that our government would even consider allowing them more rights in the country.
Yet another reason why I switched to being Independent ...oi "
Warrior4Life wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:15 PM:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/211981/page/1
Not all reporting of the healthcare bill is accurate. Check this out. "
sam wrote on Aug 14, 2009 6:44 PM:
It is the perfect time for change. "
T & C wrote on Aug 14, 2009 4:37 PM:
" Thanks for your kind words on Aug 13, 2009 at 6:58 PM T&C!
Expanding on this...providing "outreach" services for illegals, in addition to providing jobs for health care workers and getting some numbers; would show compassion for these people. Basically, they could be treated, then sent back to Mexico....and Mexico could be billed for their treatment. LOL! Either through direct billing or a reduction in "aid" from the U.S. "
Obama will NEVER allow this to happen! His Agenda is to grant Full & Total Amnesty to all illegals in 2010 and push all the legitimate complaints against illegals "Under the carpet"! "
T & C wrote on Aug 14, 2009 4:35 PM:
sam wrote on Aug 14, 2009 3:40 PM:
I do understand that it is an extra charge, but I do believe everyone needs to receive this. Originally it was put in one of the 5 plans by a Republican. I am all for it.
One of my kids just received it (26 years old) and I am hoping the 30 year gets it soon. It is so important. Everyone needs a living will. "
sam wrote on Aug 14, 2009 3:36 PM:
I do have to share a FACT. In the past 5 years our health care insurance for the 2 of us went from $10,000 a year to over $20,000. Then in the last month our rates just dropped $300 a month. My Blue Cross plan at least is listening to President Obama. "
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 14, 2009 3:21 PM:
Not much hypocrisy there, huh? "
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 14, 2009 2:14 PM:
So, again if one doesn't fall in line behind this administration they're going to be set up as targets simply for disagreeing? Now you can say what you want about insurance companies, but they do serve a purpose and the entire industry needs to be watched closely, but to have the President of the United States indicate that he will single out those who do not agree while leaving alone those who do is preposterous.
Wow! I was really worried about a socialist state; now we're looking a fascist regime taking root. Is this really the "change" everyone was "hoping" for when this guy was vying for the job? Every day it gets just a little bit worse. "
wtf wrote on Aug 14, 2009 12:01 PM:
Expanding on this...providing "outreach" services for illegals, in addition to providing jobs for health care workers and getting some numbers; would show compassion for these people. Basically, they could be treated, then sent back to Mexico....and Mexico could be billed for their treatment. LOL! Either through direct billing or a reduction in "aid" from the U.S. "
snowridah wrote on Aug 14, 2009 2:42 AM:
Mrs. S. wrote on Aug 13, 2009 11:11 PM:
T & C wrote on Aug 13, 2009 6:58 PM:
You made more sense on the topic of health care for "Illegals" than I have ever read!
Too bad the "Demo's Obama will NEVER do that! After all, he got over 60% of the hispanic vote from legal hispanics.
Obama WILL Grant all illegals "Total and Complete Amnesty" next year! Everyone please save my post so you can see my prediction came true!
He Will Not... (1) Make illegals return to Mexico and apply for citizenship, which is the only FAIR way to balance all those who have applied for lawful immigration and are waiting in line!
He will not... (2) require illegals to demonstrate they can Read, Write and Speak English!
He will not... (3) require them to pay a fine for illegally living in America!
To all you LIBERAL whiner's who think 10-12 million illegals have a RIGHT to live here, REFUSING to become lawful U.S. Citizens, maybe " You will volunteer to do (1-3) on behalf of every illegal! "
wtf wrote on Aug 12, 2009 11:02 AM:
"...we are to be swamped by a confusion of conflicting principles and directives and details, and end up arguing with each other about things that perhaps are in only one version of a bill or another (or none at all), which may or may not appear in a final bill. Then the bill will be passed quickly by congress, after its usual horse trading, and we'll be unravelling the monstrosity for months if not years to come. This process belies utter contempt for the citizenry and perhaps reveals that our government has reached a stage where it simply cannot function if proposed legislation is clearly and methodically open to scrutiny."
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=23472 "
wtf wrote on Aug 12, 2009 10:59 AM:
Bob Loblaw wrote on Aug 12, 2009 10:58 AM:
Brian wrote on Aug 12, 2009 8:05 AM:
are offering us a glimpsle of how citizens are treated in third world countries and we should be prepared to expect the same under Obamacare. "
Brian wrote on Aug 12, 2009 8:02 AM:
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel and Obamacare - Angel(s) of Death!
Dr. Emanuel believes that “communitarianism” should guide decisions on who gets care.
He says medical care should be reserved for the non-disabled, not given to those “who are irreversibly prevented from being or becoming participating citizens . . . An obvious example is not guaranteeing health services to patients with dementia” (Hastings Center Report, Nov.-Dec. ‘96).
Dr. Emanuel explicitly defends discrimination against older patients:
“Unlike allocation by sex or race, allocation by age is not invidious discrimination; every person lives through different life stages rather than being a single age. Even if 25-year-olds receive priority over 65-year-olds, everyone who is 65 years now was previously 25 years” (Lancet, Jan. 31).
Obama and his medical ilk want to control costs by controlling innovation. Emanuel criticizes Americans for being too “enamored with technology” and is determined to reduce access to it.
However, Obamacare would involve technology telling doctors how to render treatment via electronically delivered guidelines called “embedded clinical decision support”.
Dr. Emanuel sees even basic amenities as luxuries and says Americans expect too much: "
Gator wrote on Aug 12, 2009 7:33 AM:
your nothing but a Troll hiding behind your keyboard, And we know we
Should never feed the trolls. Enjoy your day Bobbie!! "
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Aug 11, 2009 10:58 PM:
Antagonizing self-important dolts like yourself is my fun. There is no point in trying to engage you in a meaningful discussion because, quite frankly, I don't care about you.
The people, like you, who think this forum is their chance at greatness are such easy targets. Please, continue your self-aggrandizing. "
Gator wrote on Aug 11, 2009 6:29 PM:
It’s easy to be nasty and crude when you hide behind your keyboard
Try staying on the subject at hand no mater how difficult it is for you
Bobbie….Have a nice evening Bobbie…. "
Mrs. S. wrote on Aug 11, 2009 4:47 PM:
I hope he gets a good opponent this time around. "
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Aug 11, 2009 3:37 PM:
Don't worry if your luck is bad and rewards are few,
remember that the mighty oak
was once a nut like you.
Your Stalkee, BHL "
wtf wrote on Aug 11, 2009 1:08 PM:
wtf wrote on Aug 11, 2009 1:08 PM:
oldmanriver wrote on Aug 11, 2009 12:45 PM:
No, it is not. In fact the requirement is very enforceable, through entangling the requirement with many other services and giving fines to those who do not comply.
The reason it is neccesary, is because insurance rates will continue to go up if a large portion of people are losing coverage, and can escape paying for treatment through bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy courts could change their rules about medical related bills if the person was not fulfilling their legal requirement to have insurance. "
wtf wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:29 AM:
True and not true, Jerome. Remember, when we signed the form to enlist in the military? What was it called?
An Enlistment Agreement or CONTRACT (while contract and agreement are similar); so according to the terms of the contract entered into between Jerome and the U.S. government, given the type of contract Jerome signed (by this I mean year he entered the military since terms tend to change), he would have health benefits guranteed...providing they were listed in the original contract. "
Gator wrote on Aug 11, 2009 10:04 AM:
Mean what??? Remember Bobbyboy paranoia strikes deep, into your heart it will creep !! Now Bobby boy a little ditty for you , it fit’s you like a glove.
When men on the chessboard
Get up and tell you where to go
And you've just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving slow
Go ask Alice
I think she'll know. Have a swell day
Bobby... "
wtf wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:09 AM:
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security."
That's what this "healthcare" bill is really about. Regarding "illegals"....why not make it illegal for them to go to emergency rooms for medical care? Why not set up "outreach" medical facilities to accommodate them? This would take care of their medical needs and also give a rough estimate of just how many illegals there are using the system...not to mention provide some jobs for medical personnel.
Also, curious to know if anyone has seen this?
http://eclipptv.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=6802 "
T & C wrote on Aug 11, 2009 7:16 AM:
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 11, 2009 6:07 AM:
Likewise, there are others who have done far more than I have during their lifetimes that are much better off now – yet I don't expect that I should be given what they have earned because I didn't do what was necessary to raise my standard of living beyond where it is today. We are responsible for ourselves. "
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 11, 2009 6:03 AM:
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:43 PM:
Madman wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:43 PM:
Madman wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:35 PM:
What about all the other vets who have died from illnesses unrelated to their service? They did not deserve to be helped also? "
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:22 PM:
Had I not served and still been diagnosed with cancer more than likely I would not be alive today. Would you have heard me whining because I couldn't get free chemotherapy or radiation treatments? Nope. I know this to be true because until I realized that I was eligible for this earned care, I was paying for all of my medical care out of my pocket for appointments and medications regarding my disability (prior to being diagnosed with cancer) and accepting it as the result of how I lived my life. It was only by happenstance that I realized that this wonderful benefit was owed to me.
Good enough of an explanation for you? If not, then I'm truly sorry. "
Gator wrote on Aug 10, 2009 6:59 PM:
Still the same lame old Toothless Pit Bull . Disparage away “O” witless
Wonder… "
Gator wrote on Aug 10, 2009 6:49 PM:
so poorly run it’s is in financial trouble. It doesn’t have to be. If the Oil
Company and the tourist industry were run to their full potential poverty
would be all but wiped out. It would take hard work and courage to pull
It off, but the rewards would be a hundred fold in returns, Val Prieto who
Runs Babalu Blog has little sympathy for the illegal immigrants. He said
If they Came from a Country like Cuba with a butcher for a leader he would
Give his support. But they don’t and he wont. "
Madman wrote on Aug 10, 2009 5:46 PM:
Explain it to me. "
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 10, 2009 4:10 PM:
This comes down to personal accountability and responsibility. Those who don't care enough about themselves and those who depend upon them for care simply need to suffer the consequences of such behavior.
It seems to me we're evolving into a nation that wants the government to do everything for us. As we have witnessed since Congress went on vacation, there are many people who simply don't want this to go any further.
Again, we just need to grow up and behave like adults. "
oldmanriver wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:58 PM:
1. Everyone is legally required to purchase insurance for themselves and their dependants.
2. Insurance companies selling insurance in the country must sell to everyone. "
oldmanriver wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:54 PM:
Law enforcement and healthcare are different industries, and you won't ever be getting doctors and nurses to handcuff and deport their patients.
Most aliens pay taxes on their wages. They should pay for their insurance the same way. "
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:53 PM:
First, medical care isn't (and never should be) a "right." As a matter of responsibility for ourselves and those under our care (as parents), we should forego the luxuries that living in America can give us until we provide for whatever we deem to be our pursuits of happiness. Of course this includes seeking out and paying for healthcare. The government was never intended to care for us to such an extent.
Second, for those who "can't" (not "won't") care for themselves and by extension those under their care (children), no one would deny them the care they need; those who would refuse such care need to look inward just a tad. A quick search on the Internet for affordable healthcare results in a myriad of choices.
For those who simply wish to roll the dice hoping that nothing catastrophic happens to them or their loved ones, the result of such irresponsibility will have them reap their just rewards.
The government's role should be oversight regarding fraud as well as tort reform. The government is not our parents or caregivers.
We need to grow up and take care of ourselves. "
tyme4change wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:28 PM:
Bob Loblaw wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:22 PM:
Way to keep him humble tyme! "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:17 PM:
Looks like the Mexicans are trying to turn the USA into their own low class version of Mexico and mooch off the taxpayers. The people of Cambodia are Asian - we LIKE Asians since they learn the language and do well in school. Now the Mexicans? Gangs, Drugs, crime, Anchor Babies, no personal Responsibility, diseases, Mexican Flags, que no hablan Inglés, No necesitamos educación! Si Se Puede? No - todos somos demasiado perezosos! "
Gator wrote on Aug 10, 2009 3:15 PM:
Stupid is as stupid does eh Amigo… "
tyme4change wrote on Aug 10, 2009 2:57 PM:
Gator wrote on Aug 10, 2009 2:14 PM:
get rid of all the illegal’s on their property. "
Gator wrote on Aug 10, 2009 2:08 PM:
the process. 2 years in a Thai relocation camp living like dogs till he made
it to America. Stone broke.. Speaking no English what so ever. What did
he and the rest of his family do? Something illegal’s never do. They
assimilated, learned English ,worked their A** off, went to college and
to day he has a PhD in electrical engineering. His brother is a Civil
Engineer the other is a General practice Doctor.. All of his children are
either going to college or about to. Illegal’s are a slap in the face to him
his family and every one else who wait to come here. As for the Illegal’s
rushing into the ER to have a baby, sure they do it’s called an Anchor
Baby and a US Citizen. Do I need to draw you a picture as to why this
Is done. That is one law that needs to be changed. No more Anchor babies. "
tyme4change wrote on Aug 10, 2009 12:34 PM:
" TYme4Whatever said: "..you can't chose where you are born."
But you can fight for change you lazy bums, like people here in the USA do EVERY DAY!
Ha!!! it seems to me people in america are fighting hard to keep things the same!!!!
i guess i sure know how to make the people of lodi angry.... just defend illegal immagrants. "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 10, 2009 12:05 PM:
But you can fight for change you lazy bums, like people here in the USA do EVERY DAY! "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 10, 2009 12:02 PM:
jramagic wrote on Aug 10, 2009 11:48 AM:
OTH wrote on Aug 10, 2009 11:08 AM:
tyme4change wrote on Aug 10, 2009 10:54 AM:
" Time 4 I have no problem with legal aliens, not one problem.. It’s the illegal’s I have the problem with."
Don't you think people would come here legally if they could..... if they had the $30,000 in their bank accounts to be able to qualify to become a citizen??? truth is that it's not realistic... you can't chose where you are born.... if you lived in a country where there is nothing but poverty and crime, wouldn't you want to escape??? wouldn't you want something better for you and your family? who are we to deny someone the chance of a better life? Oh ya, we're americans.... we can do anything we want right???? because they are the ones who want to be here... this country would be nothing without immigration... legal or illegal, this "mess" is not their fault.... its ours, stop blaming them, also i believe that this group of people are your scape goat for all of the problems we have.... get over it, they are not going away.... we are here to stay!!!
SI SE PUEDE!!!!HAHAHA "
Gator wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:54 AM:
they drive with no insurance most of the time if they get in an accident
their gone over the border. They are 25% of the prison population in
California and in South Central Los Angelis they make up 75% of the
street gangs. By the way they foster the illegal document business
for fake Birth certificates and Social security Cards and a California
drivers license. My solution to the mess put the Military on the border
And stop them all every last one. Come in Legal fine. Sneak in home
You go. Also it would go a long way in stopping the flow of drugs
into this country…An other Factoid. MS-13 started in LA went into
Central and South America and came back.. Thank you illegal’s…. "
SportsGuru wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:47 AM:
To Tyme4change,
You don't get it .. illegals use "emergency room visits" for everything because emergency rooms cannot turn them away, by law. So when you say they only use emergency services .. know that to them, this includes EVERYTHING. That is why our emergency rooms are jammed with people - and this is a major reason why hospitals have to charge insurance companies so much money for healthcare services (to cover the costs of things like "illegal immigrant healthcare") that they wouldn't otherwise get paid for. "
tyme4change wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:16 AM:
wtf wrote on Aug 10, 2009 8:41 AM:
Really? Obama sure is doing an awful lot of shilling this "healthcare" plan to be supposedly "leaving it to congress" LOL! "
Gator wrote on Aug 10, 2009 7:27 AM:
one you don’t agree with. You said Joe wasn’t qualified to write the op-ed
Page. I proved you wrong. A cheer leader for Joe, not hardly I have never agreed with Joe and his politics especially his choice of Ralph Nader for
President that is about as over the top as Ron Paul… No Gator is still
Gator. "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 9, 2009 9:06 PM:
voter wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:55 PM:
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:38 PM:
It must hurt your lips to kiss his butt from three thousand miles away. "
Gator wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:21 PM:
but the man is well informed. He is spot on with Illegal immigration, It is
rotting California from the inside out. The man is Qualified in spades to
write this column. He went from the bottom to Vice president of the Market
Securities department for Merrill Lynch. He ran his own restaurants and
after all that he came to Lodi and taught English to Farm workers, Asian
Students and other immigrants from all over the world. Bob The easiest
way to eat Crow is when it’s warm. The Colder it get’s the harder it is
to swallow…Joe left California for the same reason I did. It has turned
Into a swamp… "
tosh conn wrote on Aug 9, 2009 5:51 PM:
you seem to know everything about everything, why dont you write a column ???? "
veritas wrote on Aug 9, 2009 5:45 PM:
veritas wrote on Aug 9, 2009 5:33 PM:
Joe Guzzardi was a several decade lodi resident and compassionate caretaker to many immigrants [he himself was born out of the country to US parentage. He helped people [legal ones] through government hoops, assisted many [legal] children through colleges, obtain scholarships and helped their parents to become citizens PROPERLY AND LEGALLY !! His work was above reproach. But you, as usual are ignorant, uninformed, unschooled, devoid of facts and "out of the loop" as you always are. Isn't there a way you can become informed ? I can help and there are friends of yours who could do the same. Advise. "
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Aug 9, 2009 4:01 PM:
Gator wrote on Aug 9, 2009 3:30 PM:
I would say it’s a good fit. I gather information from all sources including
the internet which I like to call the disinformation highway. I believe half of what I see and little of what I read .I know my congressman and both US
senators and their voting record most of all of it I agree with. I’m a member
Of the NRA and contribute to their legal action committee, I’m very active
On that front. I also own two M-16 assault rifles very legal in Idaho. I’m
A Blue dog Democrat and believe you earn your way and pay as you go.
No free lunch. I have little use for Talk radio, any of it, all it does is preach to the choir. Also I agree with Mr. stanfield .. "
max stanfield wrote on Aug 9, 2009 1:36 PM:
jbhiker wrote on Aug 9, 2009 12:33 PM:
jbhiker wrote on Aug 9, 2009 12:26 PM:
wtf wrote on Aug 9, 2009 11:37 AM:
Gator wrote on Aug 9, 2009 11:34 AM:
jbhiker wrote on Aug 9, 2009 11:30 AM:
Thank you for making my point this time. Britain has a single payer system. 90% of the population is on it. 10% have private healthcare and do not have long waiting lines. Why? Because they CHOOSE to. I think Congress has it right this time. A mix of Public and Private is Puuuuurrrfect. Do you read anything but blogs Mr. Gator? "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 9, 2009 10:58 AM:
I wonder why I got a letter from Kaiser yesterday with a promise of $80 a month healthcare printed in BOLD RED LETTERS on the outside of the envelope? Anyone..? Bueller..? Bueller..? Anyone..? "
wtf wrote on Aug 9, 2009 10:08 AM:
Drug Industry to Run Ads Favoring White House Plan
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/health/policy/09lobby.html?_r=1
Maybe the drug companies are supporting this are unaware that they are no longer shielded from lawsuits by the public. Remember when Bush Jr. passed that law?
"In January 2006, the FDA announced the Bush administration's latest gift to Big Pharma in a statement that said people who believe they have been injured by drugs approved by the FDA should not be allowed to sue drug companies in state courts."
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/00192/fda_lawsuit.html
And here's another one...
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/04/opponents_fight_drug_company_l.html
But surprise! surprise! The "Supremes" did their job.
Patients can sue drug companies, Supreme Court rules
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/triage/2009/03/patients-can-sue-drug-companies-supreme-court-rules.html
Still, expect that to change if this "healthcare" bill goes through. "
wtf wrote on Aug 9, 2009 9:34 AM:
"The people who caused the circumstances, in which the people of America find themselves, are put in charge of fixing what they damaged and are using it as an opportunity to loot the country from top to bottom."
I'm talking congresscritters from ***both*** the "left" and the "right" side of the aisle.
Rest of article:
http://smokingmirrors.blogspot.com/ "
wtf wrote on Aug 9, 2009 9:20 AM:
Yes to the first, voter; no, to the second. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Medicare, Medi-cal and the VA are always being cut. Who uses these services? Congress has their ***own*** medical plan...not the one they're trying to ram through for the rest of us. If America would stop going for an empire; stop having wars all over the globe, and brought the service people home, closing all the overseas military bases, there ***would*** be money for the existing programs. This "new" one is just another tax. "
Gator wrote on Aug 9, 2009 9:10 AM:
Train wreck. Here in America medical research is head and shoulders above
anything else in the world. That is his field and the ability to work in and with the best has great benefits besides pay. Some how I find that hard for you to understand. The Medical system is full of problems that need to be
purged [I.e.] Free loaders as in welfare. The ones who make a life out of
milking the system( Basically defrauding it ) Illegal aliens are leaching the
life out of it. Corrupt Doctors over billing. Yes the system has its faults but
you don’t have to wait a month to see a doctor. 6 months to get a MRI or
Schedule surgery. Obama sounds like Bush #1 when he says no taxes for
the middle class, read his lips. How does a 15% value added tax across the
Board to pay for his affordable plan sound… "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:46 AM:
The Brit was talking about his salary, fool. There are plenty more where he came from here in Lodi as well. I think you just made Voter's point for him - that when you get closer to the top of the food chain, the Healthcare System is more about Greed than healthcare. "
voter wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:25 AM:
wtf wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:13 PM:
That may be true; but the bottom line is: Government should stay OUT of healthcare. We already have too much as it is with HMOs and all the other "insurance"....this proposal will not make it better....another lie...it will only muck things up worse.
Give me the old-fashioned "fee for service" where you go to the doctor, he treats you and sends you the bill. Insurance is ONLY for accidents and major health events NOT for every little thing under the sun. "
Gator wrote on Aug 8, 2009 8:45 PM:
dealer an unlicensed Pharmacist!!! "
Gator wrote on Aug 8, 2009 8:42 PM:
Gator wrote on Aug 8, 2009 8:40 PM:
and care was in England.. Simple why do you think I’m in America.. "
voter wrote on Aug 8, 2009 5:27 PM:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/jul/23/betsy-mccaughey/mccaughey-claims-end-life-counseling-will-be-requi/ "
wtf wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:59 PM:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090714/aahca.pdf
What concerns me is Sec. 1233: "Advance Care Planning Consultation" wherein they cover end-of-life scenarios. Found on page 424.
If I had my druthers, I'd go with Ron Paul's idea regarding healthcare along with his auditing of the Fed. Furthermore, I would re-issue a coin our Founding Fathers used: the Fugio cent on which can be found the words:
MIND YOUR (OWN) BUSINESS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugio_Cent
You can click on the photo of the cent to enlarge it and read the words for yourself. "
jnds wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:14 PM:
Philip wrote on Aug 8, 2009 3:34 PM:
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:43 PM:
How is complaining about illegals using the emergency room and denying them care the same thing? Yes it does make my skin crawl that you paint good Christians as being hate mongers with such a broad brush. Now you change your tune and call them uber Christians. Are they Uber Christians who attend church?
Or do you consider anyone that complains about illegals filling our emergency rooms uber Christians? Frankly, you've got my head spinning. "
voter wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:15 PM:
Brian, it is always the uber Christians who most gleefully spread hate and bigotry in this town--and they seem to be the majority. It's unfortunate that decent folks attending mainstream churches are often painted with the same brush--your viewpoints must make their skin crawl. "
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 1:18 PM:
The fact that; you don't understand why so many emergency rooms have gone bankrupt as a result of illegals mooching all the social services, is appalling. "
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 1:14 PM:
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 1:11 PM:
Only in America do "good Christians" want care denied to the sick. "
-I don't know of ANYONE who wants to deny care to ANYONE. Has the thought ever occurred to you that your condescending remarks teeter on the brink of insanity? How much money do you suspect you'll lose if you stop getting kickbacks from the government
for pandering to illegals? Do you
laugh all the way to the bank? How come you are so against illegals getting temporary visas? Does this disqualify you from receiving these kickbacks?
And please stop reminding us how you stereotype good Christians. It's rather offensive. "
voter wrote on Aug 8, 2009 12:50 PM:
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:20 AM:
kickbacks businesses get for pandering to illegals. "
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:04 AM:
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:03 AM:
Both the House and Senate versions of President Obama’s health care reform plans contain passages explicitly excluding illegal immigrants from receiving federal money to purchase health insurance from either a private or government-run health plan. "
-But this doesn't keep the hospitals from receiving reimbursments from entities who may have received money from the government. There's a lot of ways the government can circumvent having to pay the illegal directly to pay the hospital. Just another example of a legal loophole. "
Brian wrote on Aug 8, 2009 10:57 AM:
Illegal immigrants are specifically excluded from coverage. Of course, this means that they will continue to get their healthcare from expensive emergency rooms.
-At least voter's understands that illegals will still get to exploit our social
programs, one of the root causes of skyrocketing healthcare costs. But voter doesn't understand that granting
illegals access to doctors offices will only cause a larger wave of illegals leaving their country for COMPLETE healthcare in America. This pretty much proves that illegals understand America has the best healthcare system in the world. "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:35 AM:
voter wrote on Aug 8, 2009 8:10 AM:
Illegal immigrants are specifically excluded from coverage. Of course, this means that they will continue to get their healthcare from expensive emergency rooms.
According to America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, Page 143, Line 3, Section 246: "No Federal Payment for Undocumented Aliens. Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States."
Both the House and Senate versions of President Obama’s health care reform plans contain passages explicitly excluding illegal immigrants from receiving federal money to purchase health insurance from either a private or government-run health plan. "
jbhiker wrote on Aug 8, 2009 7:59 AM:
T & C wrote on Aug 8, 2009 6:57 AM:
Obama got 67% of the Hispanic Vote, so we all know from Supreme Court Justice to FREE Health care to illegals to Total Amnesty for illegals, "Change is coming to America!"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/2009-08-03-sotomayor_N.htm "
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